Despite including the word REACTION in its name, creating an EMERGENCY REACTION PLAN is actually being PROACTIVE. Planning ahead for a potential home water disaster plays a key role in successfully enduring it.
Know Your Property
If the supply line to your toilet were to explode right this second, how would you shut the water off? If your teenager was at home by themselves and the ice maker line started spraying water everywhere, how would they turn it off? If you don’t know the answer to these questions, don’t feel bad! You are part of the majority!
This past February, we faced a snow storm and freeze of a lifetime in Arkansas. There were water lines busted all over our state as well as our neighboring states. During that storm, I received a call from an apartment maintenance man who was in a panic. There were water lines busted throughout many of the units at his complex. There was water coming from everywhere and he didn’t know how to shut it off. There was only one shut off for the entire complex and no one on staff knew where it was. Complicating the matter was the fact that there was a foot of snow and ice covering the ground and parking lots. Needless to say, there was a lot of damage caused that could have been avoided had the shut off valve been noted on an ERP and numerous staff members had access to it.
“Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Do not underestimate the importance of simply knowing where the water shut off valve is and how to shut it off. Having a photo and a brief description of the water shut off valve in your Emergency Reaction Plan is crucial.
Communication Is Key
People react to stress in different ways. Even the most experienced adult can forget the simplest things when chaos hits. That’s why it is important that everyone involved communicates clearly and consistently. Not only does it keep everyone on the same page, it also gives everyone the confidence they need as they navigate the unfamiliar territory that they are in.
Who To Call
If the source of the water intrusion has not been eliminated it is critical that the correct professional service company get coordinated as quickly as possible. Once the source of the water damage has been stopped call Disaster Masters. Our professional staff and top of the line equipment are on 24/7 standby to assist you with your water damage. Get more details about our services and what to expect from us HERE.